NBA scores: Rockets pick up key road win while Grizzlies fall at home

The Houston Rockets continue to shoot up the Western Conference standings, picking up a key road victory against the Milwaukee Bucks Friday night. Houston fell behind 58-47 at half time before going on a tear in the third quarter, outscoring the Buck 30-14 in the third quarter. The team continued to pour it on, scoring 38 points in the fourth quarter in route to a 115-104 victory.

James Harden led the Rockets with 29 points, seven assists and four steals while Carlos Delfino and Toney Douglas scored 22 points and 18 points respectively off the bench. The win, their eighth in their last 10 games, moved the Rockets to 19-14 on the season.

The Rockets got some help from the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night, as they suffered a rare home loss to the Portland Trailblazers, 86-84. The Grizzlies were playing without Zach Randolph and were pounded inside by LaMarcus Aldridge and J.J. Hickson, who combined for 34 points and 23 rebounds.

The Rockets are now 2 1/2 games back of Memphis for second place in the Southwest Division. They travel to Cleveland tonight to play the Cavaliers. That game is set for a 6:30 p.m. CT tip off.